A high priestly prayer for Kingdom Advancement
John 17:1-19
As we journey through our 21-day fast, let's turn our attention to one of the most profound prayers ever recorded: Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17. This prayer, uttered on the eve of His crucifixion, is a masterpiece of intercession, a blueprint for our own prayers for Kingdom advancement. Jesus begins His prayer by acknowledging His divine identity and mission. He calls out to the Father, expressing His desire to be glorified. "Father, glorify me now, together with yourself, with the glory I had with you before the world began" (John 17:1). This call is a powerful reminder that our identity and purpose are rooted in God. As we fast, let's respond to this divine call by seeking to advance God's Kingdom in all that we do.
Jesus then prays for a sacred separation of His disciples, asking the Father to keep them from the evil one (v. 15). "I pray that you will keep them safe from the evil one" (John 17:15). In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we too need to be separated unto God. As we fast, let's commit to setting aside distractions and focusing on spiritual growth, which is essential for Kingdom advancement. Jesus goes on to emphasise the importance of lifelong discipleship through knowing God's Word (v. 17). "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17). True discipleship involves a deep understanding of God's truth. As we fast, let's spend time in Scripture, meditating on God's Word and allowing it to shape our lives. This will empower us to effectively advance the Kingdom.
Throughout His prayer, Jesus models fervent intercession. He prays for unity, protection, sanctification, and mission. "May they all be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me" (John 17:21). As we fast, let's join Jesus in fervently praying and interceding for the needs of the world and the advancement of God's Kingdom. Following this, Jesus also prays that His disciples would be sent into the world as He was sent (v. 18). "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:18). This is the heart of Kingdom advancement. As we fast, let's pray for boldness to share our faith, compassion to serve others, and wisdom to discern opportunities to make a difference.
As we are drawing close to the end of our 21-day fast, let's continue to seek God's heart for the nations. Let's pray boldly, believing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. May our prayers ignite a fire of revival in our hearts and in the world around us, leading to the advancement of God's Kingdom on earth.
- Rudo Chirata